Police arrested four individuals at the Malakasa Reception and Identification Center (RIC) in Attica, one of 32 Greek refugee camps on the mainland, accused of allegedly torturing and sexually abusing an underage refugee.
The competent prosecutor filed criminal charges against the reported assailants for the offenses of group sexual assault against a minor in complicity; aggravated intentional bodily harm against a minor, in complicity; child pornography; illegal detention of a minor, in complicity; illegal violence against a minor, in complicity; and threats against a minor.
Similar charges are expected to be filed against the two additional suspects.
The shocking incident came to light when a 16-year-old Egyptian refugee, who is hosted at the camp, informed Greek authorities that six individuals, also Egyptians, tortured him and sexually abused him after claiming he had stolen a mobile phone.
According to the complaint filed by the alleged victim, the assailants forced him out of his room and led him to a small shelter within the facility, where they bound his hands and gagged him. The attackers allegedly began whipping him with wires. One of the assailants is said to have used a heated spoon on the boy’s body, while another reportedly sexually assaulted him.
The perpetrators filmed the gruesome scene. The video was discovered by police officers, who responded to the location. Initially, four individuals were arrested: two minors aged 16 and 17, and two adults, all from Egypt. The other two suspects who were being sought—a 22-year-old and a 25-year-old—were located and apprehended just moments ago.
The tragic incident highlights the extremely dangerous conditions prevalent in the facilities of Greek refugee camps and the authorities’ failure to ensure the physical safety of the most vulnerable guests.
The accused have been summoned to testify before an examining magistrate.
